11 affordable luxury day spas in Bali with the best views

With its reputation as Southeast Asia’s relaxation capital, it’s little wonder that day spas of every description have popped up all over the island of Bali. No matter how you like to be rubbed, scrubbed, perfumed and pampered – there’s a day spa in Bali that has exactly what your body craves.

The problem is, the cheapest back alley day spas won’t exactly leave you with a lasting impression of luxury and serenity, and the higher end spas, well – they’re best kept for special occasions or budget blow outs.

Fortunately, a few mid-priced wellness centres in Bali have something that a lot of other budget-friendly day spas don’t.

Whether you want to relax surrounded by the mountainous countryside of verdant Ubud, or get scrubbed down while being soothed by the seductive sounds of the Indian Ocean – these 10 day spas will transport you (face down!) into tropical paradise.

And to make it even sweeter, they are all super affordable!

1. A genuine spa by the sea experience in Jimbaran – La Joya

A minutes’ walk from Balangan Beach are the traditional thatched roof villas of La Joya. Unremarkable at first glance, yet home to one of the most amazingly located day spas in Jimbaran.

A garden path leads you to a secluded refuge of wellness and indulgence, overlooking the expanse of Balangan Beach just a few beats of a butterfly’s wings away.

Photo Via Balimoments

Stretch out beneath the thatched roof of the open air massage villa and melt away in both mind and body with an intimate view taking in coastal splendour of Jimbaran in all its glory.

Spa guests can also make use of the spectacular elevated plunge pool overlooking Balangan and the endless blue ocean beyond.

Price:A one and a half hour Ayurvedic massage is $26, while the classic Balinese massage is $15 for an hour. An optional body scrub and hot shower at the end of your massage is just an additional $7.Address: Jl. Pantai Balangan, Jimbaran, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten BadungContact: +62 811-3990-048

2. Experience the healing properties of water at a mystical riverside spa – Tjampuhan Spa

With an air of mystique and a magical outdoor spa setting to rival the most beautiful secret locations in Ubud, the day spa at the Tjampuhan Hotel is positioned at the base of a valley, mere metres away from the natural splendour of one of Ubud’s gently flowing river tributaries.

Composed of several semi-open treatment pavilions and an extraordinary hot/cold spring water jacuzzi created within an elaborately carved mythical stone cavern.

Photo Via Mojo Minx

True to its natural setting, Tjampuhan spa is dedicated to the healing properties of water, and has sourced a collection of traditional Balinese healing and beauty treatments in a setting that evokes the inner peace and overall wellness of an intimate connection with Mother Nature.

You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to experience the unique riverside hideaway of the Tjampuhan Day Spa. Outside guests can enjoy the spa’s lush river valley surroundings and gorgeous spring grotto for Rp. 110,000 (approximately USD $7.25) per half-day, including access to hot and cold whirlpool baths, a sauna and steam room.

3. Be Pampered Surrounded by Elephants! – Mason Elephant Park & Lodge

This safari-inspired lodge and day spa is one of Ubud’s most unique offerings, home to its very own herd of Asian elephants.

Set on acres of lush botanical gardens and tropical forest, the elephants roam free throughout the grounds by day – allowing you tantalising glimpses of these majestic beasts, as you take in the open view from the spa treatment rooms.

Photo Via House of Travel

You don’t have to stay at the lodge – a day tour costs around $41 for breakfast, including a soak in the river with the elephants after their morning meal.

Be sure to book a post-breakfast massage – day spa treatments are surprisingly well-priced. The gorgeous ‘relaxation rooms’ have spectacular views over the grounds, and if you keep your eyes open long enough, there’s a good chance you’ll spy a few of the elephants wandering past.

Editor’s note:

While elephant rides are available here, we strongly advocate against elephant rides.

Riding elephants can actually cause serious long term harm as their spines are not made to support the weight of humans. Do try to avoid taking a ride as it is actually harmful to these magnificent animals.

4. Soothe your soul by the river – Maya Ubud Spa

Maya Ubud Spa isn’t exactly a budget experience, but it’s so incredible we just had to share it.

A resort and spa in a secluded location alongside the Petanu River – the property overlooks the verdant Peliatan rice fields and is set on 10 hectares of lush tropical gardens.

Photo Via Maya Resorts

Just getting to the spa is an experience itself. Entering the resort grounds, you descend by elevator to the sunken spa room level. With a view of the river, relax amid dappled sunlight and lush valley views.

Photo Via S_wan9

Walkways wind through the lush foliage to private treatment rooms, each one lavishly decorated and featuring a private daybed overlooking vertical gardens the rainforest valley.

Photo Via Maya Ubud

PS: Spa at Maya is a true luxury wellness experience. To experience the spa without spending big, simply enjoy the 30 minute herbal or flower bath. And if you have the cash to splash, you’ll definitely enjoy a 60 minute Balinese massage here.

This eco-focused spa, health-conscious restaurant and yoga centre is located in the heart of Ubud, in a secluded river valley that runs between Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Hanoma.

Photo Via Ulirke

The property’s grounds and rainforest settings inspire an instant sense of calm, with views over waterfalls, Balinese pavilions and stands of tall bamboo.

Book a massage or spa treatment and the internationally-trained staff at Taksu will guide you through the gorgeous grounds to a quiet, soothing space – where treatments are based on ‘the spirit of the river and the forest’.

Photo Via Theautumnissue

There’s also a saltwater pool for a post-massage soak amid the forested gardens!

6. Wellness on the water’s edge – Aquaria Bali, Candidasa

Located in serene Candidasa, and far from the often not-as-relaxing resorts of Kuta, Aquaria Bali is the perfect charming and contemporary resort.

Built near the water’s edge down a meandering, palm-tree lined driveway, Aquaria has a focus on health and wellness.

With owners trained in Aquarian therapy (a mixture of massage, reflexology, aromatherapy and visualisation), traditional Balinese and Chinese techniques have been weaved into the spa’s menu of healing treatments.

The wellness centre, available for resort guests and day visitors, offers a serene space where you can listen to the ocean’s pulse – as your troubles are rolled away in gentle waves by the skilled masseuses at the surfside spa.

Soak up authentic island life and be soothed by the sensual bliss of a traditional Balinese massage, overlooking the reefs of one of Bali’s most beautiful coral islands.

Photo Via Batu Karang

Almost completely surrounded by the sea, it’s impossible not to be lulled into a state of complete bliss by the sound of Lembongan’s gentle surf.

Photo Via Batu Karang

Lulur’s spa menu features treatments designed to complement the ambience of the island’s natural environment – just the thing for you if you’re feeling a little tired and stressed, and seeking a few hours of indulgent escape.

Photo Via Bt Batu Karang

11. A Fully Organic Spa? Cantika Spa

Truly one-of-a-kind, Cantika Spa is situated right in the heart of Bali, in mystical Ubud. The pathway towards this destination can be achieved by foot through the rice paddies – and it will be well worth both the journey and the visit.

Cantika Spa – A spa oasis in the midst of rice fields

(Photo via mkmcatsfan)

The founder, Ketut Jasi, creates her beauty recipes from scratch using only organic products (much like popular beauty brand LUSH) which have earned her a five star client rating. Think shampoos, conditioners, face masks, soap, massage oils, face cream and so much more.

Known locally as Air Panas Banjar, this is not a fancy wellness spa but a series of baths carved out of sacred natural hot springs in the middle of the Balinese jungle.

Set in a beautiful sculpture garden close to Lovina Beach in North Bali, the sulfuric water is a constant 37 degrees and is said to soothe and heal aches, pains and other ailments.

The bathing pools, built out of stone, are centuries old, and have been upgraded with modern facilities over time!

Hot spring water gushes from the mouths of eight stone Naga (dragon-like mythical creatures in Hindu legend) into a large upper pool, before cascading into a series of lower pools.

Photo Via Sancha Lys

Next to these pools, three Naga spouts create four metre high mini ‘waterfalls’ – and sitting underneath will give you a strong, reviving massage-like effect.

Photo Via Miasophieforsch

Banjar Hot Springs, Lovina

Price:You’ll need to buy a ticket at the gate outside the springs for $0.20 (IDR$ 3,000) The hot springs are open daily from 8am to 6pm.Address: Jalan Banjar, Banjar, Bali 80517.

Getting there: The springs are approximately 5km from Lovina Beach. A motorbike taxi or horse cart can take you there from your Lovina resort, or you can stop by as part of a longer day trip from elsewhere in Bali. Coordinates here.

Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 6m

Now you know where the affordable luxury day spas with the best views are, don’t hesitate to seek out a great massage when you’re over in Bali.

Let us know in the comments below if we’ve missed any amazing spas out, we’d love to feature them too!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

Fiona is a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia. A fish in a former life, she spends as much time as possible near, in or under the ocean. As a traveller, she is endlessly curious, restless and seeks out transformative experiences Her penchant for adventure has taken her to remote corners of the globe, diving, trekking, riding motorcycles and sampling the world’s most weird and wonderful street food.